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4 things to do when you’re in a creative rut.

Consume art

This feels very indulgent and like a waste of time but it works. Watch movies, specifically ones that you have no interest in. For me that would mean watching Captain America. I’m not a comic book head unless you include Archie. I prefer dramatic movies and comedies. Also, search Netflix. I discovered several movies that won awards at Sundance but never made it to the movie theatre. There is a genre of independent black filmmakers with limited budgets and great imaginations. Find them and be inspired.

Re-read books or buy new ones. I am currently re-reading the Artist Way, TheAlchemist, Secrets of a Millionaire Mind, and Sacred Woman. All of these books are tattered and falling apart. This means I refer to them as needed. Your library doesn’t have to be vast but it must be dense. Books of great substance are necessary and you should be able to return to them as a reference. My summer reading list includes Big Magic, Conscious Capitalist, and Yearof Yes. Consume books. Turn off the TV and read. I recommend a physical book which requires you to turn pages instead of swiping your finger.

Listen to music

I recommend listening to live music, whether it be jazz, go-go or reggae. Dance to live instruments , it builds fire in the body and draws out the kundalini energy. If you can’t find your way to live music then listen to music without lyrics. This stimulates the part of the brain that inspires creativity. Without lyrics you can decide for yourself what story it is telling. You can focus in on one instrument or you can notice how sweet the instruments sound collectively. Music without lyrics gets the blood flowing in the brain. Defeating the rut requires movement/action.

Ritual

Even if you are not religious you must have some type of ritual that counters negativity. If you are religious you already have things in your arsenal. I will speak to the religious folks first. Whatever your prayer life is right now, up the ante. It is time to work overtime. Schedule prayer into your day. Set alarms on your phone as reminders. Ding!, says my phone “drink water, stretch, pray.”

Express your concerns to God. Let him know where you are frustrated and blocked. Let him know that you trust him to give you the tools to conquer this problem. Then wait for the answer, this happens in meditation. Then declare it as done-affirmation.

For my folks who don’t subscribe to any religion and aren’t certain if there is a God, get a journal. Free write for one minute. Use a timer. No judgment, grammar be damned and no self editing. Simply write. Then write what you want to manifest. Write a clear and specific declaration.

Example:

I am filled with new ideas. I have 2 months worth of new content ready to be published on my blog.

I earn additional income each month with online classes, book sales and yoga workshops. I declare that I have the creativity, discipline and follow through to make this happen.

Free write and write your declarations for 21 days straight. You will start to see things turn around for you before the 21 days are over but don’t stop the ritual, continue for 21 days.

Have sex

If you are in a committed, safe and loving relationship. Get it in! Often! Remember that kundalini energy I wrote about earlier? Orgasms ignite the energy that is responsible for euphoria. Great art happens in extremes. In times of great depression & sadness or in times of great joy. I deal in the light so I’m an advocate of creating joy filled.

If you do not have a partner, no need to worry. Get to know yourself in a real intimate way. Use toys, imagery, and/or your own hand just make sure you enjoy yourself, and do it often. The frequency matters because we are trying to pull ourselves out of a rut. This requires work. But, this work is fun!

I hope you get back to creating great things soon and remember this blog is here for you if you ever find yourself in the creative valley again.